First Focal Plane or Second Focal Plane: Which One Is Right For You?

same reticle viewed through Nightforce's new F1 ATACR and a second
focal plane ATACR.

[CogentConsult]

That was the most-precise and concise explanation of the difference between those two types of focal planes, bar none! Fantastic!

[NYPrepper]

I think the benefits of first focal plane are exaggerated and a marketing gimmick to justify jacking up prices. You can do simple math in your head to calculate your holdovers and ranging with a second focal plane. Still takes slightly longer than a first focal plane though, but it can be pretty quick if you know what you're doing. You just have to make sure your magnification is at an even multiple of what the reticle is calibrated for. So if your subtensions are valid at 20x, stick to 10x and 5x for ranging and hold overs. If you range a target at 10x remember to divide by 2 and at 5x divide by 4. If holding over you would divide also. Exampe, if at 10x you should hold 5 hash marks high then at 10x you will have to hold 2.5 hashmarks high. It's really quite simple.

[psd]

Great explaination. However, one point to consider. With SFP, though the reticle is calibrated to the highest magnification, the shooter isn't limited only that magnification when doing holdovers. They simply have to reduce the holdover to correspond to a dialed-down magnification. Example: if using a 4-16x power SFP scope, and the firing solution calls for a 2 mil correction at 16x, you can reduce the magnification by 50% (8x) as long as you also adjust the amount of holdover by 50% to 1 mil instead of 2.

[robertboyd]

I remember when all of them were first, we considered it a big improvement when they came out with the seconds, don't ever remember a hunter liking the first type, the cross-hairs are big when you want them small, and small when you want them big, but to each his own, and very good video on explaining the pros and cons

[ridermak]

I kept forgetting which one was which.
Your explanation embedded it in my 🧠.
I won’t forget again. Thanks. 🤜🤛

[Rontopable]

This is hands down the best explanation I've heard on this topic. Thanks!

[kachina]

Thank you. This is the best explanation of the practical difference between first and second focal plane scopes I’ve either seen or read. A eureka moment, I finally understand!

[reaper]

I'm very thankful for him taking the time to explain in a clear and concise manner. Just awesome I hope you continue big fan.

[alaskanhunter]

Sam, great videos. I am a new subscriber, and have been watching all your videos. As a 20 Military Veteran I really appreciate your straight forward approach. I also appreciate your teaching style, it is as if I was going through another Military school. All your videos are on point to everything I have ever learned in shooting. Great channel to watch!

[davidd]

Best explanation of the difference between first and second that I have seen so far - excellent.

[camacho]

You are the man Sam! Thanks for all the help. I've used used your reloading tips on my 7mm and it's helped me reach out to 1331 yards. Keep the videos coming bud!

[caseroj]

I really don't know much about the first focal plane versus the second focal plane but because I purchased a Nikko Stirling scope NSFFP41644HMD so started looking around youtube for videos that describe what it is and how to use it. I believe in simplicity when trying to explain something and your video is about the simplest explanation I have seen about the focal plane subject in these scopes. Another video posted by a youtuber channel called X-RING has the best explanation I have seen to date about mils and how it differs from MOA. Turns out there is no "real" difference at all. Everything works exactly the same it's just that one system uses metric measurements and the other uses imperial measurements. Between your video explaining the reticle placement focal plane options and x-ring's video describing mil measurements on the scope I think I am ready to make full use of my Nikko Stirling NSFFP41644HMD. Thanks for posting!

[pjb]

After watching umpteen videos regarding first and second focal planes, you made it uncomplicated and clear to understand, thank you.

[jeffyoung]

great information. Glad to hear another point of view on this subject.

[shinoasada]

First Focal Plane is better in my opinion because you can hold over and get more use of the reticle itself at any zoom.

[protofabproducts]

Simple explanation of a complex issue. Excellent.

[orion]

Got a reticle with a mil or MOA pattern? Get a FFP. Got a reticle without it? Get a SFP. That's just my opinion. Second focal plane has definite utility in precise shooting, such as benchrest or varmint shooting. You can get finer reticles across the range of magnifications. If you plan on using your reticle for anything along the lines of measurement or holdovers for rapid engagement, get that first focal plane. Requires less thinking, and that matters when you're stressed.

[joneifer]

Thank you for the lesson. 1st focal plain sounds like the way to go.

[SergeLetunovskiy]

Great explanation. Easy to follow. Concise. Thank you much!

[exposingthedarknesswiththe]

*The one thing the NightForce has going for it, with either scope, they both have an illuminated reticle, which most other scopes have it in the rear focal plane only; however, as you said, you don't want to be messing with the magnification to adjust or gauge distance so, we always buy the First plane reticle for those reasons, less the illuminated reticle; however, NightForce is $3000 plus, a very expensive scope, but this is why we prefer the Leupold scope, they're extremely accurate at 2/3's the price and they never fail a perfect shot under any weather condition.* *Perhaps these are a few of the military's reason they choose the Leupold...you can count on them, without the unnecessary expense!* *We also like the micrometer adjustments, which are flawless and extremely accurate!*